Back safe in Orkney. I picked up some American friends on the way – Doug Pagitt (Young Leaders/Solomon’s Porch), Mark Scandrette (ReImagine) from San Francisco, Dave from Minnesota, Michael Toy (ex-Netscape) from Palo Alto. These guys have are on a very short pilgrimage to Orkney and are here to spend time with our family.
Doug and I got our upper ear cartledge pierced yesterday in Aberdeen, in recognition of having passed through the lifetime fear of losing our fathers. Mark S. also got one in the same spot. Tonight we are having a ceremony at one of the ancient sites. I suppose it is one of the most significant rites of passage into adulthood. A few years ago i flew up to Minnesota visit Doug Pagitt when his dad passed away. Now that mine has also gone, its great timing to have Doug come over and return the favor.
I loved Mark Scandrette’s chapter in TheRelevantChurch. It spoke a lot to me. Does he have a blog? Or can you convince him to start one? 😉
… good to have friends in hours of wiping – and in days of loss – I am thankfull to the one who gave us friends to be with – just like who we are –
hi from germany
rob
good to hear you’re back home and with friends and family
First, Andrew, may God enfold you in these abiding friendships.
Second, I have an ongoing daydream about chatting at a table, holding my own, with you, Doug and Mark! I trust that you and Doug will give us an appropriate peek on your respective blogs.
i love that you have marked this passage, and doing it with friends is even better! pictures man, we want pictures!
Tell Mark I said hello. He might not remember me, but I knew him in San Francisco and was really impacted by his life and what he was doing. We sat together on Market Street during the Edge Conference in 1999 and he really educated me on the whole postmodern scene. You continue to be in my prayers during this time and your poem about your Dad really moved me. I read it over and over and it was such a beautiful picture of a son’s love. Grace and peace to you Andrew.
Still praying for you, Andrew. Lost my dad in ’93 and my mom in ’01. Christmastime is always hard so I’ll be praying for you in those regards as well.
even though we are “full grown” and perhapes parents ourselves, the loss of
our own parent/s seems to force us into being in this world a little more on our own,a vunarable place to adjust in.And then our covering mother and father
become even more dear too us and we move into the role more completly that we hold as parents(covering)
Yeah for friends! Please make sure Michael is taking pictures!!!
I don’t look forward to losing my dad – it’s been inspiring to read your thoughts on your experience – thanks for sharing it with us.
Hi Andrew
Lost my dad this past weekend. Like you, I get the honor of delivering the eulogy. Would value your prayers (the funeral is on Monday). Strange to not be the son of someone anymore (my mom passed in ’02).
I loved hearing about the passage, but like others was shocked not to see pics of the event — or at least the end result. Oh, that I had the courage to follow suit. Perhaps you can pray for me about that as well.
I still have my dad but i miss you eric in jerusalem